Glory Kickboxing: Techniques and Strategies from the Pros

Introduction to Glory Kickboxing

Glory Kickboxing, founded in 2012, has quickly become the world’s premier kickboxing organization. It’s known for its high-level competition and ruleset that encourages dynamic, offensive fighting. Building on the legacy of K1, Glory has further refined the sport, attracting top talent from around the world.

Glory Rules: The Foundation of Strategies

Understanding Glory’s ruleset is crucial for appreciating the techniques and strategies employed by its fighters:

1. Three 3-minute rounds (5 rounds for title fights)
2. 10-point must system for scoring
3. Limited clinch fighting (only one knee allowed before separation)
4. No elbows or throws
5. Emphasis on damage and aggression in scoring

These rules shape the fighting style in Glory, favoring high-output strikers who can maintain pressure throughout the fight.

Key Techniques in Glory Kickboxing

1. The Dutch-style Combination

Glory is dominated by the Dutch kickboxing style, known for its seamless blending of boxing and kicking techniques.

A classic Dutch combination might look like this:

• Jab
• Cross
• Left hook
• Right low kick

This combination exemplifies the philosophy of using punches to set up kicks and vice versa.

2. The Liver Shot

Given the no-elbow rule, body shots become even more crucial in Glory. The liver shot, typically delivered via a left hook to the body or a left kick, is a fight-ending technique favored by many Glory fighters.

3. The Teep (Push Kick)

While not as prominent as in Muay Thai, the teep is still a valuable tool in Glory. Fighters use it to maintain distance, interrupt their opponent’s rhythm, and set up other techniques.

4. The Counter Right Cross

With the high pace of Glory fights, counter-striking becomes a key skill. Many top Glory fighters excel at slipping a jab and returning with a powerful right cross.

5. The Low Kick

Low kicks are a staple in Glory. Fighters often use them to finish combinations, targeting the thigh to slow down their opponents and limit their mobility.

Pro Strategies in Glory Kickboxing

1. High-Volume Striking

Given the limited number of rounds, successful Glory fighters often employ a high-volume striking strategy. This approach aims to overwhelm opponents and sway judges with activity and aggression.

Pro Example: Israel Adesanya, before moving to MMA, was known in Glory for his high-output style, constantly peppering opponents with strikes.

2. Cutting Off the Ring

Ring control is crucial in Glory. Top fighters excel at cutting off the ring, trapping their opponents against the ropes where they can unleash combinations.

Pro Example: Rico Verhoeven, Glory’s longtime heavyweight champion, is a master at using footwork to control ring positioning.

3. Strategic Clinch Work

While clinching is limited in Glory, savvy fighters use it strategically. They might clinch briefly to disrupt an opponent’s rhythm or to land a well-placed knee strike.

Pro Example: Nieky Holzken often uses the clinch to land short, powerful punches before disengaging.

4. Layered Attacks

The best Glory fighters use layered attacks, starting with fast, probing strikes to set up more powerful techniques.

Pro Example: Giorgio Petrosyan, considered one of the best kickboxers ever, is known for his ability to layer attacks, often ending combinations with devastating left kicks.

5. Explosive Counters

Given the offensive nature of Glory fights, the ability to counter effectively is crucial. Many top fighters bait their opponents into attacking, then counter with explosive combinations.

Pro Example: Cedric Doumbé has made a career out of baiting opponents and landing spectacular counter-strikes.

Training Like a Glory Kickboxer

To emulate the pros, consider incorporating these elements into your training:

1. High-intensity cardio: Glory fighters need exceptional cardiovascular fitness to maintain a high pace.
2. Heavy bag work: Focus on combination striking, blending punches and kicks seamlessly.
3. Padwork with emphasis on speed: Practice throwing fast, technical combinations on the pads.
4. Sparring with Glory rules: Regular sparring under Glory rules helps develop the specific skills and strategies needed.
5. Strength and conditioning: Many Glory fighters are known for their explosive power, which comes from dedicated strength training.

Conclusion: The Evolution of Kickboxing

Glory Kickboxing represents the cutting edge of stand-up fighting. Its rules and format have pushed fighters to develop increasingly sophisticated techniques and strategies, blending elements from boxing, Muay Thai, and traditional kickboxing into a unique and exciting combat sport.

Here at Fighting Fit Kickboxing & Jiu Jitsu in Austin, we incorporate many of these Glory-inspired techniques and strategies into our kickboxing and Muay Thai classes. While we respect the roots of traditional martial arts, we also embrace the innovations brought about by modern competition.

Whether you’re an aspiring competitor or simply looking for an exciting way to stay fit, training in Glory-style kickboxing offers a fantastic blend of technical skill development and high-intensity workout. You’ll learn to strike with speed, power, and precision, all while getting in the best shape of your life.

Ready to train like a Glory pro? Join us for a class and experience the thrill of modern kickboxing for yourself!